Dennis Patrick Johnston

Dennis Patrick Johnston, age 70, passed away on Friday, July 23 at his home in Olympia, Washington, after a brief bout with cancer. Denny was born to Harold and Cornelia Terzetti Johnston in Seattle, Washington, on Friday, July 13, 1951. He attended Seattle Catholic schools until his senior year, when he graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1969. After obtaining an AA degree from Seattle Central Community College, Denny transferred to Washington State University, where he graduated in 1974 with a degree in Political Science, State Teaching Credentials, and proficiencies in History and Physical Education. In 1979, Denny went to work for the State of Washington, where he worked briefly for the Division of Juvenile Rehabilitation before transferring to the Adult Department of Corrections. He worked as a counselor at Cedar Creek Corrections Center and McNeil Corrections Center and then went to DOC headquarters. He enjoyed the Interstate Compact Unit, where his peers throughout the U.S. became his co-workers and friends. He later managed other offender programs before retiring in 2009. Denny said he found pride in developing positive relationships with his co-workers, and realized that learning was a lifetime opportunity, and that you can learn from anyone, anything, and anywhere. According to Denny, his best move was moving to Olympia in 1980. He loved the area and enjoyed being near the seat of state government. For many of his retirement years, he volunteered for various nonprofit organizations. He was Chapter President of the Olympia Retired Public Employees Council for seven years and served on the Statewide Board. He was also a member of the Executive Board of the Washington State Senior Citizen’s Lobby. Denny testified before legislative committees and spoke to elected officials about issues of concern to seniors. He volunteered with the AARP Federal Income Tax Preparation program. In the music arena, he was on the board of Olympia Jazz Central and spent many happy hours listening to great groups playing in the area, and meeting talented musicians. Denny was a rabid WSU Cougar fan. He met Bonnie in 1982, converted her to the cause, and they spent many hours traveling to Pullman for football games, as well as all PAC 12 venues and more. He estimated he had seen more than 60 different college football teams play at more than 30 different stadiums around the country. Denny spent six years as president of the South Puget Sound Chapter of the WSU Alumni Association. His passion did not end with football. He established an endowment scholarship fund in the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Public Administration, and has donated to other departments as well. Since 1983, Denny and Bonnie attended the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon, every summer to see live theater. Denny also enjoyed seeing old friends and making new friends to discuss world affairs, politics, sports, and books. He was an avid reader, a trivia fan, and enjoyed playing golf in his later years. He was a generous man who left some unsuspecting recipients with monetary gifts from time to time. We believe he succeeded in meeting his goal of leaving a good footprint. Denny is survived by his three sisters, Patty Willson (Brandt), Anna Jacobs (David, deceased), Cathy Johnston (Jeff Sibold); a nephew, Jeromy Hunt (Laura); and niece, Katelyn Jacobs Miles (Dan). He is also survived by his dear partner, Bonnie Van Loo, and her family: son, Loren and daughter-in-law Kristin Van Loo; grandchildren, Jessica and husband Andy Smith, Cassandra Van Loo, Jacob Van Loo; and great-granddaughter, Lily Smith. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at Rivers Edge, 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Denny may be made to one or both of the following funds: The Denny Johnston & Cornelia Terzetti-Johnston Endowment; or the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Student Scholarship Fund c/o WSU Foundation, PO Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164-1925 or online at foundation.wsu.edu/give. Donations may also be made to Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice, 413 Lilly Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506, or charity of choice. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.